We use cookies to help provide the best experience on our website. We do this by tracking how the website is used and when appropriate remembering your preferences. If you continue, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Spire Healthcare website.

Pain management

Pain can be a sign from our body telling us that something is wrong. But there are different types of pain and we can often still suffer even after the source problem has been treated.

This can become a debilitating cycle, because pain can stop us leading normal, active lives and – if left untreated – can also lead to psychological symptoms.

We take an integrated approach to pain management and our specialists work closely with physiotherapists, psychologists, neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons, to develop an effective treatment plan personally tailored to your needs.

There are various types of pain that can feel different depending on the part of the body they affect. The way each of us reacts to pain is also variable - some people may experience no pain from a condition that causes severe pain in another person.

Some common pain conditions are:

spinal pain, neck pain, thoracic pain and low back pain

headache and facial pain

abdominal pain

pelvic pain

nerve pain (neuropathic pain)

pain due to decreased blood supply (vascular pain)

pain secondary to diabetes

pain secondary to shingles (postherpetic pain)

post-surgical and post traumatic pain

pain after amputation

joint pain

chest wall pain

cancer pain.

There are two main types of pain:

Acute

This is usually caused by something easily identifiable, such as an injury. Because it indicates an underlying problem, treating the problem will usually relieve the pain.

Chronic

Anything that lasts three months or more is regarded as chronic, and this type of pain often recurs even after the underlying cause has been treated.

Experiencing pain for a long time can lead to lack of sleep, a weakened immune system and a reduction in physical and social activity. All of these things can, in turn, lead to anxiety and depression.

These symptoms create a vicious cycle, in which pain becomes the centre of your life. It is very important to get treatment that can reverse some of these symptoms and get you back on the road to recovery.

If you suffer from chronic pain a range of specialists will probably treat you. You’ll be cared for by an experienced multi-disciplinary team who understands what you’re feeling and are dedicated to your well being.

Our pain specialists are experts in managing a wide range of problems. They are fully accredited and are all fellows of the Faculty of Pain Medicine at the Royal College of Anaesthetists. They will also have many years of experience dealing with a wide range of conditions.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-speciality surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

We understand that having treatment can be a time of worry and anxiety. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you every step of the way.

Your treatment will depend on your diagnosis. Acute pain that is caused by an injury or underlying condition may require surgery. Chronic pain is likely to require a more holistic, long-term approach.

Your treatment may include:

Injection therapy

There are a wide range of injection therapies available specific to individual complaints; you will be offered these as appropriate. The benefits and potential risks will be fully discussed with you when you are considering your treatment choices.

Stimulation techniques

The simplest of these is a TENS machine; however more sophisticated stimulation devices such as implanted spinal cord stimulators, for people with severe and localised nerve pain, are also available. These techniques may be particularly helpful for spinal pain, pain due to nerve damage, abdominal or pelvic pain and pain due to poor circulation.

Medication therapy

Drugs are mostly given by mouth. Occasionally they are given via patches (the drug is absorbed through the skin). In special situations, sometimes in those with cancer, a pump can be implanted into the body to place drugs into the spinal fluid.

Other therapy

Pain specialists work in close conjunction with physiotherapists and psychologists. Some patients will also benefit from complementary approaches such as acupuncture and massage.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

A fixed price for this treatment may be available on enquiry and following an initial consultation.

You can trust Spire Thames Valley Hospital to provide you with a single, fixed price (1) so there are no surprises. And, through our carefully chosen partner (2) you can even be considered for interest free finance.

We’re here to help you with making these important choices, so you’re then free to concentrate on your treatment and on getting back to being you.

(1) Important: Please read Spire’s terms and conditions for full details of what’s included and excluded in your fixed price* when paying for yourself.

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.